When someone calls another human an animal, what does it mean?
  Historically, the term has meant a person who is rowdy, or disgusting. A
negative term, to be sure.
  Yet what separates humans from real animals? Are they merely a different
species? Or is there truly something that sets humanity apart from the rest
of the animal kingdom?
  A human "animal" is a person who seems to have primal or bestial behaviour.
But why is it that some humans do not?
  Most animals act the same. Sure, they have personality differences, but the
basic behaviour traits of any one species are usually pretty similar.
  Not so with humans, who can exhibit just about any behaviour one could
imagine. Some humans are pleasant and likeable, always with something kind to
say, or some bit of wisdom to offer. Indeed, some people seem to have
transcended the base weaknesses of humanity and become something else.
  In stark contrast are humans who go the other way entirely. Every act of
cruelty, every twisted desire, every perverted taste imaginable has been
displayed by too many members of the human race. Truly, such people are below
wild animals, taking joy in their sickness, and revelling in it.
  What strange beasts humans are. They have the potential to overcome their
beastly traits, including selfishness, violence, and insensitivity to the
feelings of others. Or they can embrace those same things, and rejoice in
them.
  Humans call themselves the most intelligent creatures on this planet. But
that's only potential intelligence. A brain doesn't do much good unless it's
used.
  Ultimately, humanity has the potential to be truly superior to animals. Or
they can be much worse. Which will it be? Looking at the world today, I am
afraid to guess.